TGL is changing the rules around how the hammer is used and how often it can be used in a match, responding to game results that show the points-elevating concept isn't being used as often as they had hoped.
Under the new hammer rules, both teams will start a match with three hammers to use in the 15-hole competition.
The hammer can be thrown at any time during a hole, including before a new hole starts. When the hammer is thrown before the hole starts, the other team on the receiving end of the hammer must accept it, increasing the point value of that hole from 1 point to 2 points. However, when the hammer is thrown at any other time during a hole, the receiving team has the option to accept it -- and increase the value of the hole by a point -- or decline it, which comes with conceding the hole to the team throwing the hammer for 1 point.
All told, on any given hole, each team can use an available hammer once. That means the maximum point value for any one TGL hole is now three points. Previously, it was conceptually unlimited if the teams continued hammering one another, as there was no limitation on the number of times a hammer could be used.
Now the hammer feels more like a timeout, which TGL also has, in terms of its utility. A hammer is only going to be used on three different holes, and it's most likely going to be used by a trailing team in an effort to make a comeback.
Under the previous hammer rules, teams that were leading realized there was much more value in holding onto the hammer and not employing it to potentially expand their lead. After all, if they used the hammer and lost that hole, they would lose the hammer and an additional point. That would create an opportunity for the trailing team to then again use the hammer and either get an easy point or win two points with an accepted hammer. All of a sudden, the leading team using the hammer could be a four-point swing that they didn't want or need. The game theory behind the choice was why the hammer wasn't used as often as the league hoped.
With the new hammer rules, a team can at least look to gain three additional points if they successfully use the hammer, potentially allowing them to rally.
In particular, the singles matches now take on some additional importance. A trailing team could set their lineup and find an advantageous two-hole match in the six-hole singles segment and use the hammer twice to hopefully exploit that matchup for two additional points. In a close match, that might force the leading side to use the hammer in what they view as an advantageous matchup, leading to the trailing team hammering back for a three-point hole in a truly interesting gambit.
The new hammer rules should improve gameplay for TGL and has the potential to keep matches closer.
